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Videostrong’s new SBC runs Android 7.1 or Ubuntu on the RK3399 with 2GB RAM plus GbE, WiFi, BT, HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2, MIPI-CSI, USB 3.0, and mini-PCIe.
Shenzhen-based Android set-top box maker Videostrong has released a “VS-RD-RK3399” development kit built around the Rockchip RK3399. The OEM focused single-board computer sells for $250 individually, but can be had for $149 in 1,000+ OEM volumes. The kit is available in otherwise identical Android 7.1 and Ubuntu with Linux 4.4.55 SKUs, with the latter drawing on Rockchip’s increasingly capable Linux support.

VS-RD-RK3399, front and back
(click images to enlarge)

The high-end Rockchip RK3399 features two server-class Cortex-A72 cores clocked to up to 2.0GHz, as well as four Cortex-A53 at up to 1.42GHz. The SoC has appeared in a Theobroma RK3399-Q7 Qseven module and T-Firefly’s open-spec Firefly-RK3399 SBC. In fact, as noted by the CNXSoft story that alerted us to the VS-RD-RK3399, the board’s feature set is remarkably similar to that of the Firefly-RK3399. We noticed that even some of the detail diagrams share the same design (see below).

The only differences we saw aside from minor chip sourcing variations is that the VS-RD-RK3399 lacks the Firefly-RK3399’s M.2 slot, and it offers all four USB 2.0 host ports on the coastline instead of only providing two real-world 2.0 ports. Otherwise it’s identical, although the board layout differs considerably. No dimensions were listed, but it appears to be much like the 124 x 93mm Firefly-RK3399.

VS-RD-RK3399 (left) and in acrylic case with antennas
(click images to enlarge)

Like the Firefly-RK3399, the VS-RD-RK3399 boasts a feature list that’s as strong as any ARM development board on the planet. The board ships with 2-4GB DDR3, and the spec list suggests you can also use LPDDR3 or LPDDR4. Other features include 16GB or 32GB eMMC 5.1 and a microSD slot.

Standout features include HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 ports for up to 4K resolution, as well as MIPI-DSI and eDP. The SBC offers dual MIPI-CSI and a single DVP interface for simultaneous dual camera hook-ups. There are also a variety of audio interfaces including a 3.5mm jack and S/PDIF.

VS-RD-RK3399 detail view
(click image to enlarge)

In addition to the 4x USB 2.0 ports, you get two USB 3.0 ports, including a Type-C port. For communications, Videostrong provides a GbE port and 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.1 BLE radios with antennas. A mini-PCIe slot and SIM card slot support LTE.

A 42-pin expansion interface is available, along with IR, RTC, serial debug, and more. An acrylic case is also part of the deal.

The VS-RD-RK3399 is being sold on three almost identical Videostrong product/shopping pages hosted by Alibaba with the same price of $250 in single units (with 2GB RAM and 16GB flash), reduced to $149 each for 1,000 plus orders. More information may be found on the Android, Linux, and OS-agnostic VS-RD-RK3399 product pages.

I wonder what the advantage may be in not disclosing prices for some models (I guess they just see 4GB as a future model, not currently developed and ready to sell but more like possible to offer if demanded?)

The question about blobs is harder to know (not only for this board but for most).